Our South Lake Tahoe Fall Guide

South Lake Tahoe is stunning year-round, but we must admit: there’s something incredibly special about spending the fall months here. The summer heat begins to simmer down, ushering in cool autumn days, and the ski season hasn’t yet approached, so you can enjoy the area without the rush of busy season.

Fall in South Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Breathe in crisp mountain air, take in the gorgeous golden aspen groves, and enjoy smaller crowds compared to the busy summer months. The days are comfortably warm while nights start to cool, making it an ideal time to hike, bike, or take a scenic drive along the lake to do some leaf peeping.

We can’t say it enough: fall is a wonderful time to visit South Lake Tahoe. Let’s dive in and learn more about all there is to do!

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In this blog:

• Fall Temperatures
• Things to Do in Tahoe in the Fall
• Book Your Fall Stay in South Lake Tahoe Directly with RnR Vacation Rentals!
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fall in South Lake Tahoe

Fall Temperatures

If you’re planning a trip earlier in the fall, South Lake Tahoe's September weather tends to stay mild, with highs in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. By October, it cools down a bit, averaging in the 60s during the day and dropping into the 30s at night. This time of year is perfect for bundling up and enjoying a lakeside sunset!

Come November, you can feel the transition into winter. Highs dip into the 40s, and the first dustings of snow begin to blanket the surrounding Sierra peaks. You might even be able to get in some early-season skiing this time of year!

Things to Do in Tahoe in the Fall

See Impressive Fall Foliage

South Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to see stunning fall foliage! If you’re visiting in the fall, you absolutely won’t want to miss it.

When is the best time to see fall foliage here, you ask? Timing varies yearly, but as a general rule, October is the best month to see fall colors in South Lake Tahoe. That’s when the aspens and cottonwoods turn brilliant shades of gold and orange (especially around the lake’s southern shoreline and mountain trails). You can often catch early color in late September and some lingering hues into early November.

Since peak color shifts slightly each year depending on weather patterns, it’s always smart to check current foliage reports before booking your trip! Pro tip: our favorite way to do so is using this fall foliage forecast website.

Top places to go leaf peeping include Hope Valley, Markleeville, and Ebbetts Pass, but it’s so gorgeous this time of year, you really can’t go wrong.

Want to see all the best vantage points for fall foliage in South Lake Tahoe this year?

Check Out Our 5 Favorite Places for Viewing Fall Colors in South Lake Tahoe

When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in South Lake Tahoe in 2025?

According to the fall foliage forecast tracker, colors around South Lake Tahoe are expected to peak around October 8th-13th, 2025. You’ll likely start seeing moderate color by late September, with the most vibrant window falling between October 7th and October 15th. The gorgeous fall colors are perfect for scenic drives, lakefront walks, and hiking through the glowing forest trails.

Best Hikes in South Lake Tahoe

Speaking of hiking, let’s talk about the best trails to traverse in South Lake Tahoe this fall! Luckily, we’ve already written a piece on the top five local hiking trails to explore and guide you on your way. These are two of our favorites from that list:

Mount Tallac Trail

Mount Tallac is a fantastic trail any time of year—just make sure there’s no snow!

Location/Trailhead: Mount Tallac Trailhead, off Mount Tallac Road near Fallen Leaf Lake
Length & Difficulty: 10.5 miles round trip, Strenuous
Elevation Gain: ~3,500 ft
Hours/Season: Summer to early fall (snow-free months)
Parking Info: Free trailhead parking; fills early on weekends

Skyline Trail

Note: this trail is best explored in early fall, as access is dependent upon the Heavenly gondola. You can usually access it through October!

Location/Trailhead: Heavenly Mountain Resort, top of the Gondola
Length & Difficulty: 2 miles, Easy
Elevation Gain: ~250 ft
Hours/Season: Summer through early fall (access depends on gondola schedule)
Parking Info: Paid parking at Heavenly’s base; gondola ticket required

Book Your Fall Stay in South Lake Tahoe Directly with RnR Vacation Rentals!

After a long day of exploring exciting fall activities, return to your home away from home in South Lake Tahoe when you stay in an RnR vacation rental. No matter what you’re searching for, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit amongst our selection of vacation rentals.

Whether you want to relax in a rental with a hot tub to warm up on crisp fall days or book a pet-friendly rental so you can bring your pup along on autumnal hikes, our extensive catalog has you covered! What are you waiting for? Browse our available South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals today and book your fall stay in South Lake Tahoe directly with RnR vacation rentals! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall in South Lake Tahoe:

Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting in the fall?

Absolutely! Fall is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe. The crowds are smaller, the weather is still pleasant, and the scenery is incredible. You’ll find golden aspen trees, peaceful hiking trails, and plenty of cozy spots to relax by the lake.

Is October a good time to go to Lake Tahoe?

Yes, October is a great time to visit! The Lake Tahoe weather in October is cool and comfortable, with daytime highs in the 60s and crisp evenings ideal for fireside nights. Fall colors are usually at their peak, and many local restaurants and attractions are still open but less crowded than in summer.

When to see fall colors in Lake Tahoe?

You can usually catch fall colors from late September through mid-October. The exact timing varies from year to year, but early to mid-October is when the aspens and cottonwoods are most vibrant. South Lake Tahoe offers some of the best foliage views along Hope Valley, Taylor Creek, and the drive toward Emerald Bay.

Is Lake Tahoe swimmable in October?

You can technically swim in October, but be ready for a chilly dip! The lake’s surface temperature is usually in the low 50s, so it’s best for quick plunges or brave cold-water swimmers. If you prefer staying warm, you can still enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or soaking up the fall sunshine from the shore.